I see you start with the pickled vegetables. That probably means one
of two things: either you like them or you don’t. Are you trying to
get them out of the way, to clear your palate for what you prefer, to
justify pleasure with suffering? But can you be certain you’ll get to
the pleasure? There is a small chance that you will die before
reaching what you like. Unlikely, yes, but would you want to go out
with an unpleasant taste in your mouth? In any case, a proper host
will replenish your supply. Deferment of pleasure then becomes
infinite. You fill up on what you dislike, or even if you do like
something, you’ll pickle your tongue and you’ll lose your taste for
any of the more delicate entrées. And in any case, as a proper guest
you’re too polite to say that you don’t like something. Don’t tell
me. I know already: it’s all simply wonderful. More wine?